Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)
A magnificent Indo-Saracenic museum housing 50,000+ artifacts, from Indus Valley relics to miniature paintings. A cultural gem of Mumbai.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Indo-Saracenic museum housing 50,000+ artifacts, from Indus Valley relics to miniature paintings. A cultural gem of Mumbai.
"A beautiful, thoughtfully curated museum full of art, culture, and history. Captivating from the moment you walk in."
📸 Photography Permit
Photography is allowed with a small fee. Capture the stunning architecture and exhibits!
🎧 Audio Guides Available
Enhance your understanding with audio guides for a richer museum experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Indo-Saracenic Architecture
Exterior and Dome
A breathtaking blend of Mughal, Maratha, and Jain styles, this heritage building is a masterpiece.
Sculpture Gallery
Ground Floor
Marvel at ancient Indian sculptures, including rare pieces with historical significance.
Miniature Paintings
First Floor
Explore exquisite miniature artworks from various Indian schools and periods.
Natural History Section
Second Floor
Discover a fascinating collection of taxidermied animals and birds, a hit with kids.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Allocate Ample Time
Check for Special Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. Everyone should visit this museum at least once in their life. Especially the ones who are interested in art and history. These animals are amazing examples of taxidermy. They look so real.
📸 Photography Permit
Photography is allowed with a small fee. Capture the stunning architecture and exhibits!
🎧 Audio Guides Available
Enhance your understanding with audio guides for a richer museum experience.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay
A place filled with incredible artifacts. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, Mumbai!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking; comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the vast museum.
☕ On-site Cafe
Take a break at the museum cafe for refreshments after your exploration.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photography Permit
Photography is allowed with a small fee. Capture the stunning architecture and exhibits!
🎧 Audio Guides Available
Enhance your understanding with audio guides for a richer museum experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking; comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the vast museum.
☕ On-site Cafe
Take a break at the museum cafe for refreshments after your exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
CSMVS is widely praised as an iconic Mumbai landmark, celebrated for its stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture and vast, well-curated collections spanning history, art, and natural sciences. Visitors appreciate its educational value for all ages and the serene ambiance, though some note minor issues with air conditioning or accessibility in certain areas.
"The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is one of Mumbai's most iconic and well-preserved museums, housed in a stunning Indo-Saracenic building near the Gateway of India. Built in the early 20th century, the architecture itself is a heritage masterpiece with a grand dome and elegant galleries. The museum hosts over 50,000 artifacts spanning Indian and world history—ranging from Indus Valley relics, ancient sculptures, and miniature paintings to arms, textiles, and European art.
Key highlights include the Sculpture Gallery, the renowned Miniature Art Gallery, and special international exhibits. There's also a natural history section and a children’s gallery that appeal to families. Audio guides enhance the experience, and photography is permitted with a small fee. Facilities include a museum shop and café, though air conditioning and accessibility could be better in some areas.
Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours exploring, and the museum is praised for its well-organized layout and rich cultural offerings. Despite minor maintenance issues or temporary gallery closures, the overall experience is memorable and educational. Ideal for history buffs, tourists, and locals alike, CSMVS stands as a cultural gem of Mumbai and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in India’s rich heritage."
DRSM
"Visited July 15, 2025 – Day 12 in India
We visited this museum with our wonderful guide Raju, and it was one of the highlights of our trip to Mumbai. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is a beautiful, thoughtfully curated museum full of art, culture, and history. From the moment we walked in, we were captivated.
One of the first things my daughters (ages 5 and 7) noticed was a Ganesha statue with its trunk damaged. They were distraught and full of questions. We later learned that this damage likely occurred centuries ago—possibly during the Portuguese colonial period, when soldiers used sculptures for target practice. It was a sad yet meaningful teaching moment, showing how even sacred art can be impacted by history. I appreciated that the museum preserves and presents these pieces with care and reverence.
The museum itself is stunning. I especially loved the Himalayan exhibit—it was peaceful and deeply moving. My daughters were thrilled to spin the prayer wheels and explore the Natural History section, which is full of birds and animals that had them absolutely elated. They also got to color their own artwork in the interactive art area, which was such a fun and creative touch.
This museum strikes a perfect balance—engaging for kids, enriching for adults, and beautifully maintained. We are so grateful to Raju for bringing us here. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Mumbai!"
Foodieextreme Foodieextreme
"Can easily send hours in this place. Has a masterpiece of collection of many different things. You can buy ticket at the counter. Not too crowded. Has plenty of seating benches in the museum. The architecture of the place is just mind blowing. They have things from as old as stone age to things as new as 2024. Definitely worth the visit."
Yashaswini
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
CSMVS is conveniently located in South Mumbai, near the Gateway of India. You can reach it by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus. The nearest railway stations are Churchgate and CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), from where you can take a short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride.
Limited parking is available at the museum premises, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. It's often easier to use public transport or drop-off services.
The museum offers excellent accessibility with wheelchairs and elevators available. Tactile guides are also provided for visually impaired visitors.
Yes, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are widely available in Mumbai and can be used to easily reach CSMVS.
CSMVS is about an hour's drive from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), depending on traffic. Taxis and pre-booked cabs are readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
CSMVS is typically open from 10:15 AM to 6:00 PM. It is closed on Wednesdays and national holidays. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date timings.
Ticket prices are generally affordable. Adult entry is usually around ₹100-₹150, with concessions for students and children. Photography permits have an additional small fee.
While tickets can be purchased at the counter, it's advisable to check the official CSMVS website for any online booking options, which can save time.
Discounts are often available for students, senior citizens, and groups. Carrying valid identification is usually required to avail these offers.
Visiting on weekday mornings, right after opening, is generally the best time to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the museum. However, if you're a history or art enthusiast, you could easily spend half a day or more.
The museum offers audio guides for rent, which are highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the exhibits. Official guided tours might be available on specific days; check with the museum.
Yes, photography is permitted in most galleries with a small additional fee for a permit. However, flash photography is usually prohibited.
Don't miss the stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture, the Sculpture Gallery, the Miniature Paintings, and the Natural History section. The Himalayan exhibit is also highly praised.
Absolutely! CSMVS has a dedicated Children's Gallery and a Natural History section that are very engaging for kids. The interactive art area is also a hit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a museum cafe on-site where you can grab refreshments and light snacks.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the galleries. It's best to consume them before entering or at designated areas if available.
The museum is located in a prime area of South Mumbai, so there are numerous restaurants and cafes nearby, ranging from local eateries to upscale dining.
📸 📸 Photography
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the exterior architecture. Inside, the lighting varies, but generally, well-lit galleries are good for artifact photography.
Photography is allowed with a permit, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. Some special exhibits may have stricter rules.
The grand dome, the intricate carvings on the exterior, the main entrance, and the well-curated galleries with their diverse exhibits are all highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider getting an audio guide to make the exhibits more engaging for older children. The museum's spacious layout and available seating also make it comfortable for families to spend a few hours exploring without feeling overwhelmed.
🏛️ History & Art Enthusiasts
Take advantage of the audio guides to gain deeper insights into the historical context and artistic significance of the exhibits. The museum's architecture itself is a significant draw, offering a beautiful backdrop for appreciating the collections.
📸 Photography Lovers
Remember to purchase a photography permit for a small fee. While flash is generally prohibited, the natural and ambient lighting in most areas is excellent for capturing high-quality images. The museum's serene ambiance also contributes to a pleasant photography experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: The Indo-Saracenic Style
This architectural style was popular during the British Raj, aiming to fuse Indian and European design principles. CSMVS stands as one of the most iconic examples in Mumbai, making the building itself a significant attraction. Visitors often find themselves captivated by the sheer scale and detail of the structure, even before stepping inside to explore the collections.
The museum was originally known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India and was renamed in 1998 to honor Maratha pride. This renaming also reflects the evolving cultural identity and historical narratives associated with the building and its contents.
Exploring the Diverse Collections
The Archaeology section features treasures from the Indus Valley Civilization, ancient sculptures, and artifacts from various dynasties. The Art gallery showcases exquisite miniature paintings, decorative arts, European and East Asian art, and textiles. A particular highlight is the collection of personal armor belonging to Mughal emperors like Akbar.
The Natural History section is a crowd-pleaser, especially for families, with its extensive display of taxidermied animals and birds. The museum also hosts special international exhibits, offering a dynamic and ever-evolving visitor experience. Audio guides are available to provide deeper context and insights into these rich collections.
A Family-Friendly Cultural Experience
One reviewer shared a touching anecdote about their daughters' reaction to a damaged Ganesha statue, turning a moment of distress into a meaningful lesson about history and preservation. The museum's ability to facilitate such educational moments, alongside interactive art areas where kids can color their own artwork, makes it a memorable outing for the whole family.
The museum strikes a perfect balance, providing enriching content for adults while keeping children entertained and educated. This thoughtful approach ensures that CSMVS is not just a destination for history buffs but a vibrant cultural hub for all ages.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit